THERMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF PLASMA JET ON BIOLOGICAL TISSUE

The atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) has gained prominence due to its versatility, operating with a reduced electric field and generating abundant reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Its simple structure, which does not require vacuum systems, allows its use in open environments, significantly expanding its utility in fields such as sterilization, surface modification, and biomedical applications. This study aimed to evaluate the direct thermal effects caused by plasma contact with ex vivo biological tissue, analyzed through thermographic images. The temperature variation was assessed as a function of the type of tip used in a portable plasma device (Plasmax – KLD), equipped with two distinct fulguration tips (conical and needle holder). Plasma was applied to porcine tissue samples, and surface temperature was recorded using a FLIR T540 thermal camera. The images were analyzed with dedicated software, considering minimum, average, and maximum temperature metrics. Results revealed that the needle holder tip exhibited a more uniform thermal behavior, with lower standard deviations, indicating greater control over the applied thermal energy. In contrast, the conical tip showed greater temperature variation and higher maximum values, indicating broader thermal energy dispersion. The observed differences suggest that the geometry of the tip directly influences the thermal profile generated, which may impact the effectiveness and safety of clinical applications with potential biological effects. Tip selection should consider the thermal alteration required according to the treatment type.